Overview

A vasectomy is a procedure that makes a man sterile (unable to get a woman pregnant). During vasectomy, the tubes that carry sperm are blocked. When the tubes are blocked, sperm cannot leave a man’s body and cause pregnancy.

Vasectomy has a number of advantages over other forms of birth control:

It is permanent (it lasts for life).

It is a safe, simple and quick surgery with few risks and side effects.

It will save you money because you will no longer have to buy another form of birth control.

It has fewer risks than other forms of birth control do.

Vasectomy will not affect your masculinity or sexual performance. Your body will continue to produce male hormones, and you should have the same sex drive. You will still be able to have an erection, orgasm and ejaculation. In fact, some couples say their sex life is improved because the fear of pregnancy is gone.

Types of Vasectomy

A vasectomy is an outpatient procedure. This means that you will be able to go home on the same day as the surgery. You will likely be awake during the procedure and may be given medication for pain and relaxation. Your doctor will discuss your options with you.

There are two types of vasectomy: traditional and no-scalpel. These procedures are similar in many respects, but no-scalpel vasectomy is performed without incisions or stitches, which typically results in faster healing times. Traditional vasectomy typically takes 25 to 40 minutes, and the no-scalpel version of the procedure is usually completed in approximately 15 minutes.

Risks

Vasectomy is a very safe procedure. But like all surgeries, there are some risks. These include bleeding, infection, a mild reaction called sperm granuloma, and pain.

Effectiveness

Vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of birth control. However, vasectomy is not effective right away. Even after your surgery, sperm will remain beyond your blocked tubes. You will have to ejaculate a certain number of times over a few months to get rid of the sperm. A simple test shows when there are no more sperm in your ejaculate. Until then, you must use other birth control.

Treatment Locations

Lahey’s expert team of board-certified urologists provides vasectomy services at five convenient locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire: